Fitness tips from a New Zealand skier turned Hong Kong dragon boater, canoeist and runner
Jeremy Young’s training regime clears his mind and gives him energy that carries through his whole day. He tells us about paddling twice a day, surf skiing, and cross training in the gym
What do downhill skiing and dragon boating have in common? If you ask Jeremy Young, quite a lot. Since moving to Hong Kong seven years ago, the former professional ski coach has applied his slalom skills to the water with surprising success.
“Both [skiing and dragon boating] require efficient use of your body and when you get the combination right it becomes fluid,” explains Young, 50, who used to be on the New Zealand skiing demonstration team. “There’s a wonderful feeling when the boat is all in rhythm; when everyone’s committed and putting in the same amount of energy, and the boat just seems to glide – it’s much like that feeling of gliding through a turn on the slopes.”
Young paddles almost every day, often twice a day. When it’s not dragon boating with his team, the Stormy Dragons, it’s outrigger canoeing or surf skiing. On top of that, he runs on Hong Kong’s trails as often as he can.
“I keep in pretty good shape. There’s a few more aches and pains these days, but I’m mentally stronger. When racing now I find I can make a small mistake and not let it worry me, whereas when I was younger I would blow the rest of my race.”
